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Home | News | News Archives | Operators | Photographs | Current Status
This page contains an archive of news items relating to the BAe 146, Avro RJ, and Avro RJX regional jetliners built by BAE Systems, from January 2009.
| Index | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| January 2009 |
Regional Paraguaya abandons plans to fly a BAe 146
New Paraguayan airline Regional Paraguaya began operations on January 2 using a Boeing 737-200 rather than the BAe 146 it originally planned on using. Regional Paraguaya took delivery of BAe 146 N610AW (msn E2082) in mid May 2008. She was later painted into the airline's colors as ZP-CAG Ciudad de Asunción. However, she remained parked at Asunción's Silvio Pettirossi Airport. She has now been registered as N773CS to CSDS Aircraft Sales & Leasing Inc, who is offering her for sale. This is the second time E2082 has been left at the altar. Earlier, she had been delivered to start-up Sol Airlines in the Dominican Republic, but that airline proved stillborn. As for Regional Paraguaya, its first service proved less than auspicious, with 737 ZP-CAJ blocked on the ground at Córdoba, Argentina, for almost a week by technical problems.
[2009-01-08]
Heavy fog hampers MDLR operations
MDLR Airlines's operations were hampered by heavy fog in northern India in late December and early January, with MDLR's base at Chandigarh particularly affected. Fog caused substantial disruptions from December 20 to 25, and then again from December 31 to January 4. On some days, all flights had to be cancelled, while on others substantial delays were experienced. MDLR operates three Avro RJ70s, but BAE Systems is attempting to repossess them for non-payment.
[2009-01-08]
Tingair abandons start-up plans
Moroccan start-up airline Tingair has apparently abandoned plans to launch services from Tanger using two BAe 146-300s. Although no announcement has been made, flight crews that had been contacted for possible employment are being told that their services will not be needed.
[2009-01-09]
Aerovias DAP resumes Antarctic flights
After the winter hiatus, Chilean airline Aerovias DAP has resumed flights to the Antarctic using BAe 146-200 CC-CZP (msn E2042). After completion of a C check, CC-CZP was ferried to the airline's base at Punta Arenas, at the southern tip of Chile, on December 24. Flights to the Antarctic resumed on November 10, at the start of the southern hemipshere's summer, but the late start of the C check meant that CC-CZP was not ready in time. In the interim, the airline chartered C-130s from the Chilean and Uruguayan Air Forces when loads justified it (a Beech King Air is used for smaller groups). Aerovias DAP's antarctic flights bring passengers from Punta Arenas to Frei Base, on Rey Jorge Island, in Chile's Antarctic Territory, where passengers can visit the research facilities and observe the wildlife. Flights will continue until the end of March.
[2009-01-09, updated 02-28]
Air Wisconsin BAe 146 leaves Kingman
After spending some 40 months in storage, former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-300 N616AW (msn E3145) was ferried from Kingman, Arizona, to Hagerstown, Maryland, on January 3. Air Tahoma had acquired her in 2007, intending to convert her to a freighter, but nothing ever came of that project. It is not known what plans her new owners have for her. N616AW's departure leaves just one BAe 146 in storage at Kingman: series 200 N609AW (msn E2070). She had been intended to join new Dominican Republic operator Sol Airlines. N609AW is unlikely to leave anytime soon, however, as she is missing several major airframe parts -- and the people responsible for the whereabouts of the parts are missing, as well.
[2009-01-15]
Former Flybe BAe 146 is site for diving record
A former Flybe BAe 146 was the site of an unusual diving record. The fuselage of series 100 G-JEAU (msn E1035) was placed in the National Diving & Activity Centre (NDAC), near Chepstow (Gloucestershire), in December 2007, at a depth of about 25m. On January 10, a group of 128 divers dove on the wreck to break the world's extreme ironing record. According to its website, extreme ironing is a sport "that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt." Participants must take an iron and board to a remote location and iron a few items of laundry. "Seeing ten divers all lined up on top of the wreck of a BAe 146 aeroplane with their ironing boards was one of the most surreal sights I have ever seen," said one participant, with typical British understatement. The event raised over UKP8,000 for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
[2009-01-17]
Bolivia's Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM) has added another BAe 146 to its fleet. The airline acquired former Flightline series 200 G-CLHD (msn E2023) from lessor Tronos. After being held up at Aberdeen over unpaid bills, she finally departed on January 7 to Summerside, routing via Reykjavik. She then left Summerside on January 9, routing via Halifax and Bermuda. Once in Bolivia, she was quickly painted into TAM's full new colours, as FAB-102. She joins two other BAe 146-200s. The airline also owns a series 100, which is parked at La Paz minus many parts. [2009-01-20] |
European commission questions Lufthansa takeover of Brussels Airlines
The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into Lufthansa's planned acquisition of Brussels Airlines. Lufthansa has agreed to buy a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines parent company SN Airholding SA/NV for EUR65 million, with an option to later acquire the remaining 55%. The Commission is concerned that the takeover would result in monopolies on several routes from Belgium to Germany and Switzerland, and found Lufthansa's proposed remedies inadequate. A final decision is due by June 10.
[2009-01-27]
Italian airline Air Dolomiti took delivery of the first of five Embraer 195s on January 27. The 195s will gradually replace the airline's five BAe 146s, which are being returned off-lease to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. The first of these, I-ADJF (msn E3193) was ferried to Exeter in early December for post-lease maintenance. By the summer, only one BAe 146 should be still in service with Air Dolomiti. [2009-01-28] |
Australia's National Jet Systems (NJS) has bought two BAe 146s from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. The airline had been leasing the two aircraft, series 200s VH-YAD (msn E2097) and VH-YAE (msn E2107). Both had originally been built for WestAir, and then passed through several other operators before arriving in Australia in 1996, initially with Southern Australia. Both were registered to NJS on January 2. [2009-01-30] |
Minden resumes 146 airtanker program
Minden Air Corporation of Nevada has bought a BAe 146-200 from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft to resume its 146 airtanker program. The company had earlier intended to convert former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-300 N606AW (msn E2033), but was unable to arrive at a satisfactory agreement with her owner, lessor Tronos. Minden will now use its newly acquired BAe 146, former Jazz series 200 N446MA (msn E2111 ex C-FBAO) for the program. The company will obtain a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the conversion. It hopes that the aircraft will be operational in time for the 2010 fire season.
[2009-01-30]
Abu Dhabi Amiri Flight buys Avro RJ100
Abu Dhabi's Amiri Flight has bought an Avro RJ100 Avro Business Jet from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. The RJ100 will be delivered in April, joining the Amiri Flight's RJ70, A6-LIW (msn E1267). As part of the deal, BAE Systems has agreed to buy back executive charter-configured Avro RJ85 A6-RJE (msn E2299), which is owned by the Amiri Flight and operated under management by Royal Jet. The RJ85 will be handed back to BAE Systems when the RJ100 arrives. BSRA plans to offer the RJ85 for sale or lease.
[2009-01-30]
SkyAirWorld to take over Christmas Island contract from NJS
The Australian federal government has awarded SkyAirWorld the contract to operate the twice weekly passenger service from Perth to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, replacing National Jet Systems (NJS). NJS had used Avro RJ70 VH-NJT (msn E1228) on the route, but its range required a fuel stop at Learmonth in Western Australia. SkyAirWorld plans to use an Embraer 190 on the route, which it will take over in April. NJS did not bid on the tender for the new contract. "Following a thorough assessment and analysis of the proposed contract, we determined that it did not satisfy our business model," chief executive Peter Nottage said.
[2009-01-31, updated 03-06]
BAe 146s reported to be operating in Gabon
South Africa's Allegiance Air is reportedly operating one or more BAe 146-200s in Gabon on behalf of local airline Air Tourist Gabon. A former CityJet BAe 146-200 has recently been registered in the country as TR-LIR (msn E2053, ex ZS-SBD). [Additional details on BAe 146 operations in Gabon, would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2009-01-31]
Indonesian airline Manunggal Air has taken delivery of former Asian Spirit BAe 146-100 RP-C2999 (msn E1009) as PK-VTM. The 146 was prepared for the airline and painted by Indopelita Aircraft Services at Pondok Cabe during December. The 146 will complement Manunggal Air's Transall C.160 and Antonov AN-26 aircraft on cargo services to remote areas of Indonesia, in particular Irian Jaya. [Additional details on Manunggal Air's BAe 146 operations would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.] [2009-01-31] |
| February 2009 |
BA CityFlyer mishap closes London City
An Avro RJ100 of BA CityFlyer experienced a problem with its nose gear on landing at London City on February 5. RJ100 G-BZAW (msn E3354) was operating flight BA8725 from Glasgow to London City with 25 passengers, when the crew reported possible nose gear problems while on approach. Emergency services stood by, but the aircraft landed safely. However, the RJ100 was stuck on the runway due to a loose nose wheel, forcing the airport to close for about four hours. None of the passengers or crew were injured. G-BZAW was ferried out of London City on February 8, and returned to service the following day.
[2009-02-06, updated 02-10]
Air Botswana is returning their leased BAe 146-100 A2-ABF (msn E1160) to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. The airline leased A2-ABF in 2005, to complement their own BAe 146-200, A2-ABD (msn E1101). She arrived at Southend on February 10 for post-lease maintenance prior to handback. A proposed sale of the airline to South Africa's Airlink in 2007 collapsed among political acrimony. The government subsequently invested BWP100 million (US$17 million) to recapitalize Air Botswana, with fleet renewal being one of the objectives. In 2008, the cabinet turned down a proposed management contract with South Africa's Comair to run Air Botswana. New negotiations are now underway with International Development Ireland (IDI). [2009-02-12] |
BA CityFlyer Avro RJ100 G-BXAR (msn E3298) suffered a nosewheel failure on landing at London City on February 13. G-BXAR was arriving from Amsterdam as BA8456, with 67 passengers and four crewmembers. The aircraft touched down normally on its main wheels, but when the nose came down the nose gear collapsed rearwards. As she came to a stop on the runway, the cabin began to fill with smoke, so the passengers were evacuated using the emergency slides. One passenger sustained injuries during the evacuation, and had to be taken to the hospital. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has initiated an investigation. G-BXAR has been towed to a remote stand pending repairs. It was the second time this month that a BA CityFlyer RJ100 had nosewheel problems at London City. On February 5, RJ100 G-BZAW (msn E3354) landed with a loose nosewheel, forcing the airport to close for several hours until she could be towed off the runway. British Airways is inspecting the nose gears of all its Avro RJs. [2009-02-14, updated 02-17] |
German BAe 146 operator WDL Aviation is aquiring two more BAe 146s. The airline has bought former CityJet series 300s EI-DEX (msn E3157) and EI-DEW (msn E3142). Both had been in storage at Norwich. EI-DEX was re-registered as D-AMAX, and left Norwich on February 18. She had been due to leave earlier, but delivery was delayed because of engine problems. She is now at WDL's base at Köln being prepared for service. EI-DEW is being prepared by KLM Engineering and should follow shortly. Flying has been limited at WDL since the end of the SAS contract late last year. The company recently underwent an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), as having completed an IOSA is required for future contracts. [2009-02-20] |
The first former Club Air Avro RJ for startup Italiatour Airlines has been painted. Avro RJ85 I-CLBA (msn E2300) returned to Verona on February 21 after being painted at Köln. The company intends to begin operations shortly, initially flying from Brescia's Montichiari Airport to Roma (Fiumicino), Napoli, and Catania. Catullo spa, which manages Montichiari Airport, recently announced that it would provide EUR1.6 million to support Italiatour's operations from the airport. [2009-02-22] |
The partnership between Brussels Airlines and Congolese airline Hewa Bora appears to have come to a definitive end. Their project to launch a joint airline, AirDC, that would operate BAe 146s on domestic and regional routes has long been at a standstill, with the two 146s sitting in storage at Brussels for over a year. Now the Congolese airline is reclaiming the traffic rights for the Brussels-Kinshasa route, which it had been operating jointly with Brussels Airlines. Hewa Bora presumably will find another partner to operate the route on its behalf, as the Congolese airline is still on the European Union's blacklist. As for AirDC, Brussels Airlines remains officially committed to the project, although the team working on it is understood to have been dissolved. "The two planes for airDC are not being sold but they are in storage and can be activated at all times," stated a Brussels Airlines spokesman. [2009-02-25] |
Air National begins BAe 146 operations
New Zealand's Air National placed their newly acquired BAe 146-200, ZK-ECO (msn E2130), into service on February 24. The 146 operated a charter to Napier, Blenheim, and Nelson. Air National acquired the former Jazz 146 from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft in December. She arrived in New Zealand on December 15 after a three-day ferry flight. She can be configured either with 84 seats in a 2-3 configuration, or 48 Business Class seats in a 2-2 configuration. The airline has already secured numerous bookings for the aircraft including international charters. One such charter will take holidaymakers from Tauranga, on New Zealand's North Island, to Norfolk Island over the easter weekend. This will be Tauranga's first international commercial flight.
[2009-02-26]
Australia's National Jet Systems (NJS) is changing its name to Cobham Aviation Services, after its parent company, Cobham PLC. BAe 146-300 VH-NJL (msn E3213) was the first to wear the new titles. She was rolled out at Adelaide on February 27. The name change becomes official from March 1. Cobham has recently been awarded extensions on two mining industry contracts. The company has agreed a 4-year contract extension with HWE Mining to provide air services to Yandi and Mining Area C in the Pilbara. The services are currently being operated with a BAe 146-200, but under the extension flights will be upgraded to a series 300. Separately, the company has agreed with Perth-based Minara Resources Ltd to extend its contract to fly personnel to the Murrin Murrin nickel and cobalt mine in Western Australia through 2013, with an option to extend for a further two years. A BAe 146-200 will be used. The two contract extensions are worth A$90 million. [2009-02-27] |
BA CityFlyer ends London City to Dublin service
BA CityFlyer is ending its flights from London City to Dublin from March 2. The route had only been flown since last summer, and was usually operated by a Flightline BAe 146 until that airline's demise. Loads have been disappointing, however, in part because of a poor schedule, with the last Dublin-bound flight departing at 16:50 -- too early for a full day's work in London even with London City's short check-in times. With the schedule already stretched by the loss of Flightline's two leased 146s, the loss of additional capacity following Avro RJ100 G-BXAR's accident on February 13 precipitated a decision.
[2009-02-28]
More BAe 146s parted out
More BAe 146 have been parted out, victims of the bleak economic conditions that gave them little hope of returning to the air, particularly if an expensive heavy check is needed. Two BAe 146s met their ends at Southend. Former Air China series 100 FAB-098, never having been delivered to Bolivia's Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM) after it opted for series 200s, was parted out in December 2008. Former Flightline
series 200 G-DEFM (msn E2016) is also being parted out at Southend. She last flew in late November 2008. Lessor Tronos parted out former Air Wisconsin Bae 146-200 N606AW (msn E2033), who had been intended for conversion to airtanker, following Minden Air's decision to procure a different example for this purpose. Parting out began on January 5 and was completed in late February.
[2009-02-28]
| March 2009 |
Another profitable year for Atlantic Airways
At a time when most airlines seem to be hemorrhaging money, BAe 146 and Avro RJ operator Atlantic Airways announced it had recorded its 14th successive annual profit in 2008, earning 15 million Danish kroner (US$2.6 million) after tax. The airline operates three BAe 146-200s, two Avro RJ85s, and two RJ100s. Four aircraft operate Atlantic's own services to the Faroe Islands and three are operated from Copenhagen on behalf of SAS. The airline celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2008, having operated its first flight on March 28, 1988, with BAe 146-200 OY-CRG (msn E2075).
[2009-03-05]
Brussels Airlines to reintroduce business class
Business class is coming back to Brussels Airlines' Avro RJs. The airline had discontinued business class following the merger of SN Brussels Airlines and Virgin Express, focusing instead on a low-cost model with a single cabin, but with a premium fare level, "b.flex", offering flexible and refundable tickets and additional amenities compared to the cheaper "b-light" fares. From March 28, Brussels Airlines will resume offering a business class, with traditional European business class levels of service. It does not appear that the 2-3 seating on the Avro RJs will be re-configured, however. Rather, the middle seat will be blocked off in rows used for business class. The number of flight attendants is also expected to remain the same.
[2009-03-06]
Finland's Blue1 has leased Avro RJ85 EI-RJL (msn E2349) from CityJet for one year, with an option to extend for a second year. She was ferried to Norwich on February 12 for painting, and departed to Helsinki on March 6 in full Blue 1 colors as OH-SAQ Inarijärvi. A little over a year ago, Blue1 decided to return three Avro RJ85s and two RJ100s, shrinking their Avro RJ fleet to four RJ85s and concentrating their operations on their McDonnell Douglas MD-90s. The airline later decided to keep one of the RJ85s, but proceeded with the return of the others. With passenger numbers falling due to the current economic crisis, however, the MD-90s are proving too large. Blue1 attempted to retain their remaining RJ100, OH-SAN (msn E3387), but BAE Systems has already arranged for her onward sale. She was ferried to Kemble on March 7. Blue1 will add a second CityJet RJ85 in May. [2009-03-06, updated 03-15] |
Swiss to replace Avro RJs with Bombardier CSeries
Swiss will replace its 20 Avro RJ100s with new 110-seat Bombardier CS100s beginning in 2014. The CS100 (previously known as the C110) will be the first variant of Bombardier's CSeries program. On March 11, the board of Lufthansa confirmed an order for 30 CS100s, with a further 30 on option. Swiss is wholly-owned by Lufthansa.
[2009-03-11]
Italiatour Airlines receives it's AOC
New Italian Avro RJ operators Italiatour Airlines received its operating certificate from the Italian civil aviation authority, ENAC, on March 11. The airline is planning to begin flights on April 1, using former Club Air Avro RJ85 I-CLBA (msn E2300). RJ70 I-FASI (msn E1260) will join her soon, from the same source.
[2009-03-12]
A new Maltese airline is planning to begin operations in the second half of April using two former Flybe BAe 146-300s. Efly is being formed in Malta by Italian investors to charters and ACMI flights. The airline expects to begin operations on April 20, using BAe 146-300s G-JEBF (msn E3202) and G-JEBG (msn E3209). Both were withdrawn from use by Flybe in mid 2008 and have been in storage at Exeter. [2009-03-12] |
Air Libya began operations with former Flybe BAe 146-300 5A-DKQ (msn E3191 ex G-JEBD) on February 17. The 146 had been prepared by KLM Engineering at Norwich, then ferried to Kemble on January 6 for HF radio installation. Following an air test on February 3, she was ferried to Birmingham on February 4, and then ferried to Benghazi via Nice on February 5. Once she received her certification from the Libyan civil aviation authority, she operated her first passenger charter on February 17. Since then, she has operated a number of charters, domestically and internationally. One such charter took her as far afield as Prague, via Malta, on March 8. [2009-03-15] |
| April 2009 |
A second former CityJet BAe 146-300, EI-DEW (msn E3142), is being prepared for German airline WDL Aviation by KLM Engineering at Norwich. She will follow sistership EI-DEX (msn E3157), who was delivered to the German airline on February 18 as D-AMAX. [2009-04-02] |
Star Perú has acquired another BAe 146 to add to its fleet. The airline acquired former Flybe series 300 G-JEBA (msn E3181) in a transaction arranged by Aircraft Leasing and Management (ALM). G-JEBA flew Flybe's last BAe 146 service on October 26, and has been in storage at Exeter since then. She departed Exeter on delivery to Peru on April 4. She will join Star Perú's two series 100s and single series 200, bringing the airline's fleet of the type to four. ALM is also remarketing the remainder of the Flybe 146 fleet. [2009-04-06] |
Cobham to continue Cocos and Christmas Island services
Australia's Cobham Aviation Services will continue to operate a twice weekly passenger service from Perth to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. Cobham had been due to fly its last service on the route on March 28, after which SkyAirWorld would have taken over with Embraer 190s. SkyAirWorld suspended operations just days after it was announced that it had won the contract. At first the airline insisted it would begin the Christmas Island services as planned, but its E-Jets were repossessed by the lessors putting an end to that plan. The Australian federal government was thus forced to ask Cobham to continue operating the route. Cobham uses Avro RJ70 VH-NJT (msn E1228) on the route.
[2009-04-08]
Avro RJ85 ZS-ASW (msn E2313) operated by Airlink was damaged when she punched through a boundary wall at Johannesburg's Oliver R. Tambo International Airport on April 8. She was apparently being taxied by airline mechanics, who may have forgotten that hydraulic pumps -- and hence braking power -- are only found on No.2 and No.3 engines. She seems to have rolled across a parking area, crossed the grass covered perimeter, and punched through the 2.2m high brick wall. Although the initial score seemed to be RJ85: 1, wall: 0, damage to the aircraft is still being assessed. ZS-ASW is on lease from Safair. [2009-04-09] |
Aviastar Mandiri's BAe 146-300 PK-BRD (msn E3189) crashed on April 9 near Wamena, in Papua Indonesia. She was arriving at Wamena on a cargo flight from Jayapura, on Papua's northern coast, carrying staples such as rice and flour. She reportedly made a go-around after an initial approach to Wamena's runway 15. While circling for a second try, she entered clouds and struck a mountainside southwest of the airport. The aircraft was destroyed, and all six crewmembers on board were killed. Wamena Airport is situated in Baliem Valley, at an elevation of 5,085 feet, but it is surrounded by mountains rising up to 12,000 feet. The airport has no navigation aids except for an NDB. Aviastar acquired PK-BRD from Flybe in late 2007. [2009-04-09] |
New Italian Avro RJ operators Italiatour Airlines flew its first services on April 8, when Avro RJ85 I-CLBA (msn E2300) operated flight OI111 from Brescia to Roma Fiumicino. She then continued to Crotone as OI312, arriving an hour behind schedule. The RJ85 then retraced her steps. A similar rotation was flown in the afternoon. The schedule calls for morning round trips to Roma Fiumicino and Crotone every day but Sunday, with a similar round trip in the afternoon ever other day. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the afternoon flight only goes to Roma and back. The airline had received its operating certificate on March 11, and started selling tickets on March 24. Loads on the first day were disappointing, with only 15 passengers on the inaugural flight to Roma, including several dignitaries. Aside from the short time for which tickets have been on sale, the airline is also suffering from resistance from travel agencies in Crotone, many of whom are refusing to sell tickets on the airline because of bad experiences with the previous operator on the route, Airbee. [2009-04-10] |
Ansett administrator to repossess Orionair BAe 146s
Korda-Mentha Administrators, the administrator for bankrupt Ansett, is planning to repossess the two BAe 146s it had leased to Spanish airline Orionair, series 300 EC-JVJ (msn E3195) and EC-JVO (msn E3179). Orionair has been struggling since the abrupt cancellation of its contract to operate a BAe 146 in Italy on behalf of VolaSalerno, and its two 146s have been parked at Madrid's Barajas airport for some time. Because it would probably take some time to place the aircraft under current market conditions and the resulting lease rates would be low, Korda-Mentha indicated it is likely to have both aircraft parted out.
[2009-04-10]
BAe 146 in Gabon landing accident
A BAe 146-200 operated by South Africa's Allegiance Air on behalf of Air Tourist Gabon overran the runway at Port Gentil on April 9. The aircraft was arriving from Libreville in the early evening. She landed on runway 21 in heavy rain, but did not come to a stop before the end of the runway. A few minor injuries were reported among the passengers. The airport was closed for several hours until the 146 could be recovered. [Additional details on this incident, as well as on BAe 146 operations in Gabon, would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[Confirmation of the identify of this BAe 146 and any additional details on BAe 146 operations in Gabon, would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2009-04-12]
Air National's planned charter from Tauranga, on New Zealand's North Island, to Norfolk Island over the easter weekend was snared by bureaucratic red tape. The fully-booked flight, on behalf of tour operator House of Travel Tauranga, was to have been Tauranga's first international commercial flight, and an example of the kind of new markets that Air National hoped to be able to access with its new 84-seat BAe 146-200, ZK-ECO (msn E2130). A first problem concerned Tauranga's lack of customs and immigrations facilities. Air National addressed this by arranging a stop-off en route at Hamilton to clear immigration. The other problem concerned the need for a high-frequency communications system, which is required for any flight beyond 45 minutes of New Zealand's coast (Norfolk Island is almost two hours away). Air National installed the necessary system, under supervision of New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). At this point, however, the CAA decided that a full airworthiness test was needed. Air National was forced to cancel the Norfolk Island flight when it could not guarantee that this test would be completed in time. [2009-04-12] |
10-aircraft rule threatens Indonesian 146/RJ operators
A new rule requiring airlines to have a minimum of 10 aircraft is threatening Indonesia's BAe 146 and Avro RJ operators. Under the rule, any airlines that does not operate at least 10 aircraft by 2012, at least five of which must be owned, will have to merge or shut down. Previously, airlines only needed to have two owned aircraft. Among Indonesia's BAe 146 and Avro RJ operators, only Pelita, which operates Avro RJ85 PK-PJJ (msn E2239) on behalf of the Indonesian government, and Airfast, which operates BAe 146-100 PK-OSP (msn E1124) on behalf of Metro TV owner Surya Paloh, meet the new requirements, as they have large fleets of other types. On the other hand, Linus Airways' entire fleet consists of two BAe 146-200s, PK-LNI (msn E2204) and PK-LNJ (msn E2210), while Manunggal Air's BAe 146-100, PK-VTM (msn E1009), is complemented by a single C160 Transall. Riau Airlines comes closest to meeting the new requirements, as its two Avro RJ100s, PK-RAY (msn E3243) and PK-RAZ (msn E3265), are complemented by five Fokker 50s, leaving it only three aircraft short.
[2009-04-16]
Spanish airline Orionair has received a one-year ACMI contract to operate its two BAe 146s on behalf of a new Syrian airline, Syrian Pearl. Syrian Pearl, a joint venture of Cham Holding, Syrianair, Kuwaiti company Aqeeq Aviation, and several individual investors, will be Syria's first private scheduled airline. Operations are scheduled to begin in May. Initial services will focus on domestic routes from Damascus, with three daily roundtrips to Aleppo and two daily roundtrips to Deir el-Zor and al-Qamishli, as well as a twice weekly roundtrip to Lattakia. Regional and international destinations will be added later. The Syrian Pearl contract, which was signed on March 27, rescues Orionair from what had appeared to be a bleak future. The airline's BAe 146s have been parked at Madrid's Barajas airport for some time, following the loss of its contract with VolaSalerno in December, and lessor Korda-Mentha Administrators had been planning to repossess the two aircraft and part them out. In anticipation of the resumption of operations, BAe 146-300 EC-JVJ (msn E3195) was ferried to Exeter on April 24 for maintenance, while EC-JVO (msn E3179) had Syrian Pearl's logo and titles applied at Madrid. The checkflights for the Orionair crews are being conducted by Aviation Quality Control (Europe) Ltd., a company founded by former and current Eurowings and WDL Aviation staff. [2009-04-26] |
Second leased Avro RJ85 delivered to Blue1
Finland's Blue1 has taken delivery of the second Avro RJ85 it has leased from CityJet. OH-SAR (msn E2350 ex EI-RJM) Saimaa was flown to Helsinki's Vantaa airport on April 24, joining OH-SAQ (msn E2349 ex EI-RJL), delivered in March.
[2009-04-30]
Brussels Airlines aircrew strike averted
A threatened strike by Brussels Airlines' aircrew was narrowly averted when the airline rescinded cost-cutting measures. The Belgian Cockpit Association (BeCA) had announced on April 29 that Brussels Airlines pilots would go on indefinite strike beginning at 05:00 on April 30, to protest against cost-cutting measures the airline had imposed unilaterally, including laying off all aircrew over 55 years old, a wage freeze, and reduced rest times. The flight attendants union had joined in the strike action. At an emergency meeting held at the labor ministry that evening with a social mediator, the airline backed off and rescinded the measures and the strike was called off.
[2009-04-30]
Royal Jet has returned its Avro RJ85 to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. She ferried through Budapest on April 1, continuing to Kemble on the following day. The return was agreed as part of a transaction in which Abu Dhabi's Amiri Flight acquired an Avro RJ100 Avro Business Jet. That aircraft, former Blue1 RJ100 OH-SAN (msn E3387), is currently at Kemble, and will shortly be ferried to Stansted where she will be fitted with a VVIP interior. [2009-04-30] |
| May 2009 |
Syrian Pearl begins operations
New BAe 146 operator Syrian Pearl began operations on May 4, with flight PSB111 from Damascus to Aleppo. The flight was operated by Orionair using BAe 146-300 EC-JVO (msn E3179). Operations were to have started on May 1, but were delayed by the late arrival of the aircraft. The initial schedule calls for two daily roundrips to Aleppo, in early morning and evening, with a daily roundtrip to Qamishle mid-morning and one to Deir El Zor in early afternoon. Once sistership EC-JVJ (msn E3195) arrives in Syria, Aleppo will be served three times day, and Qamishle and Deir El Zor twice a day. Lattikia will also be added, with flights on Thursday and Saturday.
[2009-05-04]
Linus Airways suspends operations
Indonesian BAe 146 operator Linus Airways suspended operations on April 27 as a result of financial difficulties. The airline is seeking new investors to enable services to resume. Both its BAe 146-200s, PK-LNI (msn E2204) and PK-LNJ (msn E2210), are currently at Indopelita's facilty at Pondok Cabe. One is undergoing a partial C-Check and engine change, while the other is also due for an engine change.
[2009-05-05]
India's MDLR Airlines will retain the three Avro RJ70s it has leased from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. BAE Systems had moved to repossess the aircraft for non-payment, but reports from India indicate that an accomodation has now been reached which allows the airline to continue to operate them. MDLR has been adjusting its routes, adding Lucknow last November, and then Goa, but dropping some of the destinations it had initially served, such as Jodhpur. [2009-05-06] |
Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings is beginning to replace its fleet of five BAe 146-200s and ten -300s. The airline received its first Bombardier CRJ-900 NextGen, D-ACNA, on April 24. On May 10, it will be formally christened Amberg before entering service. This is the first of 15 CRJ900s ordered by Lufthansa two years ago. They will gradually replace Eurowings' 146s, on a one-for-one basis, eventually giving Eurowings an all-CRJ fleet, as it already operates the CRJ-200 and CRJ-700. The 146s will be returned to BAE Systems, with the last 146 due to exit the fleet in 2010. The first to leave, series 300 D-AEWO (msn E3162), was ferried from Nüremberg to Exeter on May 6 for hand-back maintenance by Flybe. [2009-05-07] |
Former Blue1 RJ100 OH-SAN (msn E3387) is being prepared for delivery to Abu Dhabi's Amiri Flight. Now registered A6-AAB but still wearing the livery of Blue1, she was ferried to Stansted on May 6. She will be fitted with a VVIP interior and painted. [2009-05-07] |
BAE Systems Regional Aircraft exhibited Avro RJ70 LZ-TIM (msn E1258) at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) show in Genève, in an effort to promote its Avro Business Jet (ABJ) program. LZ-TIM is operated by Varna-based industrial group TIM, parent of BAe 146 operator Hemus Air, and features an interior designed by UK consultancy Design Q. BSRA stresses the low acquisition cost and the large cabin as the ABJ's main attractions, along with its short-field performance. [2009-05-12] |
Bolivia's Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM) has added former CityJet BAe 146-200 EI-DJJ (msn E2040) from lessor Tronos on a lease-purchase agreement as FAB-103. She departed Summerside on May 5, stopping at Norfolk/Chambers on her way to Opa Locka. She then departed on May 7, stopping in Panama City and Lima before arriving in La Paz that evening. After being painted in TAM's colors, she was formally greeted at a ceremony at El Alto airport on May 13, during which she flew a pass over the airport, escorted by two Lockheed T-33s, with President Evo Morales, the Vice-President, the Minister of Defence, the Foreign Minister, and the entire High Command on board. In their coverage of the event, the local press helpfully pointed out that she had been manufactured in Canada. TAM already operates three other series 200s, and has a series 100 which it uses as a spares source. The airline links 21 destinations within Bolivia; the addition of FAB-103 will allow it to increase services to Sucre, Tarija, and Trinidad. South America is the fourth continent on which E2040 has operated. She began her working life in the USA, having been built for PSA as N357PS in 1985, then returned to the United Kingdom for a spell with Debonair, before journeying on to Australia in 2000, where she flew for Southern Australia and National Jet Systems. She then returned to Europe and flew for CityJet from 2005 to 2008. [2009-05-16] |
Greece's Astra Airlines has leased former Air Dolomiti BAe 146-300 I-ADJF (msn E3193) from BAE Systems Regional Aircraft as SX-DIX. She was ferried from Southend to Thessaloniki on May 20, still wearing basic Air Dolomiti colors with no titles. She is configured in a 99-seat all economy class layout and will operate charter flights from Thessaloniki's Makedonia Airport, as well as a planned scheduled service to Kiev. Astra has borrowed crews from Malmö Aviation to fly her. The airline's original BAe 146-300, SX-DIZ (msn E3206), is based at Athens, operating to Larnaca on behalf of Olympic Airlines. She will also be used on a new contract to operate services to Thessaloniki and Chios on behalf of Athens Airways. [2009-05-21] |
US Government objects to Syrian Pearl lease
The US government has formally objected to Orionair's lease of two BAe 146s to Syrian airline Syrian Pearl, deeming it to be a "re-export" in violation of a trade embargo imposed on the country. On May 7, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the US Department of Commerce issued a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) forbidding the lease. Although the BAe 146 is British-built and Orionair is a Spanish airline, the US claims jurisdiction because the aircraft's engines, APU, and EFIS are US-built. Orionair argued, to no avail, that its arrangement with Syrian Pearl was a standard ACMI lease, and not a "re-export". The US action means that others, such as BAE Systems, would withdraw support from Orionair, as US law considers anyone assisting someone subject to a TDO to be themselves in violation of export restrictions. Orionair had planned to operate its two BAe 146-300s on behalf of Syrian Pearl. The first, EC-JVO (msn E3179), is already in Syria, where she began operations on May 4. Sistership EC-JVJ (msn E3195) is currently at Exeter and was to have joined her soon.
[2009-05-27]
One of the oldest BAe 146s, VH-NJA (msn E1004), was broken up at Adelaide on May 27. In her long life since her first flight on August 29, 1982, she had been operated by British Air Ferries (on route proving flights), the Royal Air Force, Dan-Air London, Manx, Debonair, and National Jet Systems, as well as on short leases by SATA Air Açores, Hamburg Airlines, CityJet, and Merpati Nusantara. She had also been used by BAe for two demonstration tours, one to Africa in 1983 and one to the Middle East in 1987. She had been in storage at Adelaide since August 2008, and used as a spares source. [2009-05-29] |
English football team Manchester United hitched a ride on BAe 146-200QC G-ZAPN (msn E2119) of Titan Airways to play the Champions League final against Barcelona in Roma. Titan's 146 delivered them to Roma Fiumicino on the evening of May 26. Late the next day, she brought back a dejected team that had been defeated 2-0. [2009-05-29] |
BA CityFlyer begins to return its Avro RJ100s
BA CityFlyer began the process of replacing its fleet of Avro RJ85s and RJ100s with Embraer 170s and 190s by ferrying RJ100 G-BZAW (msn E3354) to Exeter for hand-back maintenance, prior to being returned off-lease to BAE Systems Regional Aircraft. She arrived at Exeter on May 30. G-BZAW's departure further reduces capacity at the airline, already strained by the loss of Flightline's two BAe 146s and the accident to G-BXAR (msn E3298) on February 13. Although the first Embraer E-Jet is not due to arrive until September, the airline preferred to reduce services rather than retaining G-BZAW -- and is blaming the accident to G-BXAR for the resulting cutbacks. Services between Edinburgh and London City will be cut from from eight to six, and the airline is looking to shed about 25 staff members.
[2009-05-31]
| June 2009 |
Atlantic Airways' contract to operate three BAe 146s on behalf of SAS expired at the end of May. The contract had been signed in February 2008, extending and expanding an earlier contract under which two 146s had been flown on SAS' behalf. One of the 146s released from SAS flying, series 200 OY-RCE (msn E2233), has since operated several flights on behalf of BA CityFlyer from London City. [2009-06-01] |
Gainjet to operate VIP-configured BAe 146
Athens-based Gainjet Aviation will offer Casino Rodos new VIP-configured BAe 146, SX-BJI (msn E2079, ex G-MIMA), for executive charters. The 146 will complement Gainjet's existing fleet, which includes a Boeing 757, a McDonnell Douglas MD-83, a Gulfstream G550 and seven G200s, all with VIP interiors. SX-BJI has been at Stansted for some time now, to have her corporate interior fitted.
[2009-06-01]
BAE Systems Asset Management has arranged the placement of BAe 146-200QT SE-DRN (msn E2113) to Indonesia's PT Nusantara Air Charter (NAC). SE-DRN had previously been operated by Malmö Aviation on behalf of West Air Sweden. BAE Systems Asset Management won a contract to remarket the aircraft on behalf of her owner, Erik Thun AB. She departed Exeter on her delivery flight on June 4, still wearing her Swedish registration as all Indonesian-registered aircraft are banned from European skies. She is due to become PK-JKC. Nusantara is planning to base her at Jayapura, in Papua Indonesia. [2009-06-05] |
Linus Airways licence revoked
Indonesia's Directorate General of Air Transportation (Dephub) has revoked the licence of BAe 146 operator Linus Airways. Linus had suspended operations on April 27 as a result of financial difficulties. Under Indonesian regulations, airlines may only suspend operations for a maximum of 30 days. The airline has been negotiating with new investors to enable services to resume, but has so far failed to secure new financing. National airline Garuda was reportedly interested in acquiring Linus so as to obtain a certificate for its own CitiLink division. Linus' two BAe 146-200s, PK-LNI (msn E2204) and PK-LNJ (msn E2210), are currently at Indopelita's facilty at Pondok Cabe.
[2009-06-05]
Former Linus Airways BAe 146-200 PK-LNI (msn E2204) is being prepared for delivery to PT Nusantara Air Charter (NAC) as PK-JKW by Indopelita. PK-LNI has been stored at Indopelita's facility at Pondok Cabe since Linus ended operations in late April. She will be operated in a VIP configuration for the airline's owner, with 12 business class and 68 economy seats. Nusantara also recently acquired a BAe 146-200QT freighter, PK-JKC (msn E2113), for operation in Papua Indonesia. [2009-06-06] |
The fuselage of former Air Wisconsin BAe 146-200 N607AW (msn E2052) will be used to test the airtanker system that will eventually be fitted to E2111 by Minden. E2052 had been broken up at Summerside by lessor Tronos in late 2006. The fuselage had then been used in Tronos' own airtanker project, but that project was eventually abandoned. E2052's fuselage arrived at Toronto's Pearson Airport at the end of April. [2009-06-08] |
Club Air declared bankrupt
Italian airline Club Air was formally declared bankrupt by a tribunal in Milano on June 3. The airline was operating an Avro RJ70 and an RJ85 when its licence was withdrawn by the Italian civil aviation authority, ENAC, in May 2008 because of of its continued financial and organizational troubles, its failure to meet a variety of regulatory requirements, and its inadequate treatment of passenger and suppliers. Since then, RJ85 I-CLBA (msn E2300) has found a new home with Italiatour Airlines. Sistership RJ70 I-FASI (msn E1160) was to have joined her, but technical problems and Club Air's legal travails prevented it. She remains parked at Verona's Villafranca Airport.
[2009-06-11]
Damaged BA CityFlyer Avro RJ100 written off
Following a lengthy dispute between BAE Systems and its insurance company, a decision has been made to break up Avro RJ100 G-BXAR (msn E3298). She was damaged in a landing accident at London City on February 13 while operating for BA CityFlyer. A scaffolding has been erected around the aircraft to allow parts to be removed.
[2009-06-15]
The first BAe 146-300 for new Maltese airline Efly, former Flybe 9H-ELE (msn E3209 ex G-JEBG) was ferried from Exeter to Malta on June 17. She was still wearing the basic red and black colors of the promotional scheme for Mansion that she wore during her last months with Flybe. [2009-06-18] |
Mistral Air withdraws its BAe 146s
Italian airline Mistral Air withdrew one of its two BAe 146-200QT freighters from service in mid June. I-TNTC (msn E2078) was ferried to Norwich on June 16 and placed in storage. She is advertised for sale. Mistral Air took delivery of I-TNTC in late 1987, making her almost 22 years of service the longest of any 146 with the same airline. Mistral's second 146QT, I-MSAA (msn E2109) is due to be withdrawn from service next month. The 146QTs are being replaced with ATR42 freighters.
[2009-06-19]
Lufthansa CityLine marks 50th anniversary
CityLine is marking its 50th anniversary with special markings on its aircraft. The airline operated its first service, as Ostfriesische Lufttaxi (OLT), on June 17, 1959. It began scheduled regional services in 1974 under the name DLT Luftverkehrsgesellschaft. In 1978, it began cooperating with Lufthansa, a process which increased over time so that by 1988 all the airline's operations were on behalf of Lufthansa. Lufthansa took a majority stake in 1989, and eventually acquired the entire airline, which was renamed Lufthansa CityLine in 1992. Avro RJ85s were added in 1994, and the fleet was gradually built up to the current 18 examples.
[2009-06-20]
Lufthansa takeover of Brussels Airlines approved
The European Commission approved Lufthansa's acquisition of Brussels Airlines on June 22. Lufthansa is to buy a 45% stake in Brussels Airlines parent company SN Airholding SA/NV for EUR65 million, with an option to acquire the remaining 55% in 2011. The approval is conditional upon the implementation of a set of remedies to alleviate the Commission's concern that competition would be restricted on several routes. Under these remedies, Lufthansa will make available slots for new entrants wishing to operate those routes.
[2009-06-23]
Second Eurowings BAe 146 handed back
Lufthansa subsidiary Eurowings continues to hand back its BAe 146s off-lease to BAE Systems. The second to leave the fleet, series 300 D-AEWP (msn E3165), was ferried from Nüremberg to Exeter on June 22 for hand-back maintenance by Flybe.
[2009-06-25]
| July 2009 |
Syria holds Orionair BAe 146
The Syrian government is preventing Orionair from recovering BAe 146-300 EC-JVO (msn E3179). The 146 had been flown to Syria in early May for operation on behalf of new airline Syrian Pearl, beginning operations on May 4. On May 7, however, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the US Department of Commerce issued a Temporary Denial Order (TDO) deeming the lease to be a "re-export" in violation of a trade embargo imposed on the country. As a result of the US action, BAE Systems, Flybe (which was preparing EC-JVJ for service in Syria), and others were forced to withdraw support from Orionair to avoid falling foul of the same restrictions. The Syrian government, however, is insisting that Orionair fulfill its contract and is refusing it permission to recover the 146. For a time, Orionair's crews were also prevented from leaving. Following the intervention of the Spanish Foreign Ministry, they were finally allowed to depart in mid June. The unfortunate EC-JVO, however, remains blocked at Damascus Airport.
[2009-07-01]
Comores Aviation BAe 146 aids in search for crashed Yemenia A310
A BAe 146 operated by Comores Aviation International participated in the search for the Yemenia Airbus A310 that crashed off Moroni on June 29. The 146's crew located debris from the crashed aircraft at 7:00 am the following morning, helping to narrow further searches. The 146 is believed to be on lease from South Africa's African Airline Investments, an off-shoot of Allegiance Air, and to have been operated by Comores Aviation since late 2008. [Additional details on BAe 146 operations in the Comores would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2009-07-02]
Aviastar acquires a second BAe 146
Indonesia's Aviastar Mandiri has acquired a BAe 146-200 from BAE Systems Asset Management. The new aircraft, former Jazz series 200 C-GRNU (msn E2139), will be delivered later this month. The 146 will replace BAe 146-300 PK-BRD (msn E3189), who crashed on April 9 near Wamena, in Papua Indonesia. BAE Systems announced the sale together with that of the former Linus Airways series 200 PK-LNI (msn E2204) to PT Nusantara Air Charter (NAC).
[2009-07-04]
Titan Airways buys Snowjet
Titan Airways acquired the Satellite Travel Group, parent of ski flight operator Snowjet. Titan plans to operate several aircraft in Snowjet colors this winter, with BAe 146s operating direct flights from London Stansted to Alpine airports such as Chambéry and Sion. Flights to Sion will operate twice a week, on Saturdays and Sundays. By flying into Sion, passengers headed for resorts such as Crans Montana or Verbier will save several hours of travel time compared to Genève.
[2009-07-15]
Albanian BAe 146 to fly in Kenya
Albanian Airlines has announced that it will operate their BAe 146-100, ZA-MAK (msn E1085), on an ACMI lease on behalf of Kenya's Jetlink Express for six months beginning in late July. The 146 will substitute for Jetlink Express' Bombardier CRJ200 on services from Nairobi to Kisumu, near Lake Victoria. Runway work at Kisumu is limiting the available length, precluding the use of the CRJ200 but posing no problems for the 146. Jetlink Express will be the first Kenyan operator of the BAe 146.
[2009-07-15]
Carlos Santana tours on Avro RJ70
Musician Carlos Santana chartered TIM's VIP-configured Avro RJ70, LZ-TIM (msn E1258) for his summer tour of Europe, Santana Tour '09. LZ-TIM departed Sofia on July 5 to pick up Santana and his party at Istambul. She then carried him across Europe for a tight schedule of concerts in Romania, Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Croatia, Italy, Austria, and Germany.
[2009-07-15]
Due to the end of its SAS contract and the weakness of the current charter market, Atlantic Airways has returned BAe 146-200 OY-RCW (msn E2115) off-lease to BAE Systems. After hand-back maintenance by Malmö Aviation in Malmö, she was ferried to Kemble on June 18. She has since reverted to her previous UK registration, G-BRXT. She had been flying for Atlantic Airways since April 2005. Atlantic Airways still operates two other BAe 146-200s, along with two Avro RJ85s and two RJ100s. [2009-07-20] |
Mistral Air ends BAe 146 operations
Italian airline Mistral Air ended BAe 146 operations when she withdrew her second BAe 146-200QT freighter from service in mid July. I-MSAA (msn E2109) was ferried to Norwich on July 18, joining sistership I-TNTC (msn E2078) in storage. Both are for sale. Mistral Air had been the oldest BAe 146 operator, having taken delivery of I-TNTC in late 1987, for operation on behalf of TNT. In 1994 and 1995, the airline experimented with passenger operations, leasing series 100 G-BVLJ (msn E1160) and series 300 G-BUHB (msn E3183) for brief periods. The airline's second freighter was added in 2000, initially as I-TPGS before being re-registered I-MSAA in 2002.
[2009-07-20]
Maltese airline Efly is struggling to obtain a licence so that it can begin operations. Its first BAe 146-300, 9H-ELE (msn E3209), is ready to fly, having arrived at Malta in mid-June and then having had the airline's titles and logo applied. The airline has also secured JAR-145 and CAMO maintenance licences. However, Malta's Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has still not issued the airline the necessary operating licence. Although the DCA has stated merely that the airline has not yet completed the necessary requirements, many suspect that the airline's CEO, Luigi Crispino, was the primary obstacle. Crispino is a controversial figure in some quarters, having been investigated for fraud over the failure of a previous airline venture, Air Sicilia. Accordingly, on July 10 Crispino announced that he was resigning as CEO "in the best interest of the airline." Efly is positioning itself as a 'luxury' low-cost airline. In addition to charters, the airline has applied to operate the Malta-Gatwick and Malta-Catania-Gatwick routes that British Airways is abandoning. [2009-07-25] |
Star Perú has put into service its first BAe 146-300, OB-1914-P (msn E3181 ex G-JEBA). OB-1914-P received its certification from the Peruvian civil aviation authority on July 24, and operated her first service the following day, on the Lima-Tarapoto-Iquitos route. She joins Star Perú's two series 100s and single series 200. Star Peru has also acquired a second former Flybe series 300, G-JEBB (msn E3185). She departed Exeter on her ferry flight to Peru on July 28. The airline has also purchased series 200 G-CCJP (msn E2066) from BAE Systems (Operations) for spares recovery. She was broken up at Kemble on May 23 and 24. [2009-07-29] |
Second BAe 146 for Mahan Air
Iranian airline Mahan Air has added a second former China Eastern BAe 146. Series 300 EX-27001 (msn E3212 ex B-2712) was delivered through Iranshahr on July 1, wearing Mahan Air's logo but without titles. She had been stored at Nanjing since 2005.
[2009-07-29]
| August 2009 |
Ansett Aircraft Spares & Services donated BAe 146-100 G-JEAO (msn E1010) to the de Havilland Aviation Museum at London Colney. The museum already has in its collection several examples of airlines produced by de Havilland and its successors, Hawker Siddeley and British Aerospace, including the fuselage of a DH.106 Comet and of an HS-121 Trident. The BAe 146 was the last of this lineage. E1010 was built at Hatfield in 1983 and delivered to Brazil's TABA late that year. She subsequently flew for Royal West Airlines in the USA, and for Air Nova and AirBC in Canada before returning to the UK in 1989. She has since flown for Air UK and Jersey European. She was finally flown into storage at Filton in January 2003. The fuselage was delivered to the Museum by road on July 27, and the wings and tail will follow. With the support of Ansett Aircraft Spares & Service the museum plans to return E1010 to a high static standard for exhibit. [2009-08-01] |
MDLR declines to participate in multi-airline 'strike'
Indian Avro RJ operator MDLR Airlines has announced that it would not participate in a 'strike' by private airlines on August 18, and would operate its normal schedule. The Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) has called for airlines to suspend flights on that day to protest high jet fuel taxes and airport charges.
[2009-08-04]
Italiatour Airlines changes routes
Italian Avro RJ operator Italiatour Airlines is modifying its network, shifting its center of gravity from Brescia to Crotone. On July 18, the airline started a four times weekly service between Crotone and Bologna. The loss-making Brescia-Roma segement of the company's initial Brescia-Roma-Crotone route will be dropped in early September, but the Crotone-Roma segment will be retained, and a separate Crotone-Brescia non-stop service will be added. The company is looking for an additional Avro RJ for its fleet.
[2009-08-23]
Comores Aviation leases BAe 146
The BAe 146 operated by Comores Aviation International is believed to be BAe 146-200 ZS-SFZ (msn E2030), on lease from South Africa's African Airline Investments. The 146 operates from the airline's base at Moroni on inter-island services and to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Mahe, Seychelles; and Mauritius. [Additional details on BAe 146 operations in the Comores would be extremely welcome. Please contact the editor.]
[2009-08-28]
BAE Systems' corporate BAe 146-200, G-TBAE (msn E2018) has been accompanying Eurofighter Typhoons being delivered to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has ordered 72 Typhoons: 24 originally built by BAE Systems for the Royal Air Force, and 48 to be assembled locally. The first two were delivered in mid-June, departing on June 24, and staging via Toulouse and Malta, and accompanied by G-TBAE. G-TBAE also accompanied the second pair to delivered, who departed on August 26. [2009-08-28] |
Aegean bids for subidized domestic routes
Greek Avro RJ operator Aegean Airlines submitted a bid in response to a Greek government tender for subsidized services on 24 commercially unviable routes, primarily to island destinations. Aegean's bid offered to fly from Athens and Thessaloniki to the islands of Kalymnos, Ikaria, Astypalaia, Skiathos, Skyros, Samos, Chios, Lesvos, Karpathos, and Kythera, using its Avro RJ100s and ATR72s. Aegean operates six RJ100s.
[2009-08-31]
| September 2009 |
BAE Systems to remarket Titan BAe 146s
Titan Airways has awarded BAE Systems a mandate to remarket three of its BAe 146 freighter variants: two series 200QC Quick Change versions, G-ZAPN (msn E2119) and G-ZAPK (msn E2148), and a series 200QT freighter, G-ZAPR (msn E2114). Titan hopes to sell one of the aircraft and replace her with a higher capacity aircraft.
[2009-09-06]
Second BAe 146 for Manunggal Air
Indonesia's Manunggal Air has added a second BAe 146-100, PK-VTA (msn E1015). PK-VTA was ferried to Indonesia in January 2008 in anticipation of a lease to Asian Spirit. She was left stranded, however, when that airline's new owner decided to replace the BAe 146 fleet with Airbus A320s. In Manunggal service, she will complement the airline's existing series 100, PK-VTM (msn E1009), on services within Papua Indonesia. PK-VTM departed Indopelita's facility at Pondok Cabe following a C-Check and painting into Manunggal's colors.
[2009-09-08]
BAE Systems intends to promote the BAe 146 to the world's military as a cost-effective replacement for ageing turboprop and jet airliner transport aircraft. The company made the announcement at the Defence Services & Equipment International Exhibition (DSEI) in London. The BAe 146M could take on a wide variety of non tactical air transport roles, thereby reducing the burden and prolonging the fatigue life of tactical aircraft such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules. The BAe 146M's shortfield performance would also allow it to undertake some of the more challenging air transport support roles, including operations from unpaved runways. BAE Systems is offering the BAe 146M in passenger, freighter, or combi configurations. A variety of options could also be fitted, including additional fuel tanks, LCD Flight deck displays, steep approach and unpaved runway capability. The BAe 146M could also be used as a platform for specialist roles such as paratroop transport, medical evacuation, forward air refueller, or general surveillance duties. With several BAe 146-200s and -300s in storage and due to come off-lease in coming years, BAE Systems is able to offer relatively short delivery timescales. BAe (as it then was) had offered a specialized military version, the BAe 146STA Small Tactical Airlifter, in the late 1980s, but failed to secure any orders. [2009-09-09] |
BAe 146s for the RAF?
A day after BAE Systems announced the BAe 146M, and perhaps not coincidentally, The Times reports that the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering using BAe 146s to help meet a shortfall in transport capacity resulting from delays in the Airbus A400M program. The RAF has ordered 25 A400Ms, but technical difficulties have pushed back deliveries until 2012 or 2013 at the earliest. In the meantime, the ageing Lockheed C-130 Hercules fleet has been under heavy strain due to the need to support operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The 146 freighter's 11-12.5 tonne capacity of a 146 is only about half the 20-tonne capacity of a C-130, the difference in price more than makes up for it: New Lockheed Martin C-130Js would cost about US$60-90 million apiece, whereas used BAe 146s are available for US$2-3 million in passenger configuration and about US$5 million as freighters.
[2009-09-11]
Interlink to operate BAe 146s
South Africa's Interlink Airlines is to operate two BAe 146-300s from Wonderboom Airport outside Pretoria to Cape Town and Durban. Services will begin on October 30. There will be two flights daily to both cities on weekdays, one in early morning and one in late afternoon. Close-in Wonderboom offers a convenient alternative to Johannesburg's Oliver Tambo International Airport for Pretoria residents, saving well over an hour in driving time -- more if traffic is heavy. Wonderboom small size also allows much faster check-in. The airport's relatively short runway and high temperatures have precluded airline services to date, however. The Tshwane City Council, which owns the airport, is spending R165.5 million (US$22 million) upgrading Wonderboom's infrastructure in preparation for the new service.
[2009-09-13]
Air Dolomiti operated its last BAe 146 flight, EN8071 from Wien to Verona, on September 13. On this flight, BAe 146-300 I-ADJJ (msn E3155) replaced the regularly scheduled ATR42. I-ADJJ is the last of Air Dolomiti's once five-strong BAe 146 fleet. The airline received five Embraer 195s to replace the 146s in the spring, and the other four 146s were handed back to BAE Systems. However, I-ADJJ was retained to fly charters and cover for technical problems during the busy summer season. She was ferried to Exeter for handback maintenance on September 14. [2009-09-14] |
Bolivia's Transporte Aéreo Militar (TAM) is adding another BAe 146-200, their fifth. The newest example is a former Flightline series 200, G-FLTB (msn E2024). Like the airline's other 146s, she has been acquired from lessor Tronos on a lease-purchase agreement. She had been stored at Southend since Flightline ceased operations last December. Wearing her new registration, FAB-104, she departed Southend on September 14, stopping in Reykavik and Narsassuak on her way to Sydney, Nova Scotia, where she cleared customs. After night-stopping, she will continue to Tronos' base at Summerside, where a TAM flightcrew will pick her up later this month. [2009-09-14] |
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